Despite challenges of the last year or so, the team in Girlguiding Hertfordshire has gone from strength to strength. Units have been meeting online and many returned to face-to-face just as soon as it was allowed.
During Lockdown, we introduced flexible units to allow girls to take part when their local unit might not have been able to offer anything. We aim to continue with these units to enable girls to start their guiding experience when a place is not yet available to them. Flexible units also help us to ensure we are inclusive, when girls can’t get to a unit, for whatever reason.
Our social media presence has increased massively since our PR team grew in numbers and they gave themselves the challenge of getting involved in all the different platforms. The “Meet Our Leader” posts are designed to support recruitment by showing that our volunteers do other things, not just Guiding! They have been very successful. We have also used social media to celebrate our volunteers’ awards and long service following our virtual presentation evening.
Following the success of our Thinking Day challenge, we have exciting plans for the year ahead. We are launching a county book challenge in the autumn term and have a golfing challenge in planning for the spring.
Our Walking Team have been encouraging us all to get outside and keep well by introducing the marathon badges and mini mid-week challenges
The Great Patrol Hunt has been running for many years and continues to bring guides together from all across the county to take part in challenges and team building over a series of events throughout the year. This will start again in October ending in a camp in the summer term.
Teamwork is really important to us. With such a big county, we couldn’t function without working together as we do. We try to recognise our volunteers and the dedication they have and what better way to do this than with a badge!
Volunteering with us isn’t just about campfires and helping girls to get their next badge – although those are special moments. It’s about empowering girls and giving them new experiences. It’s helping girls realise their own potential, sharing and developing your skills, all while having the time of your life.